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Updated: May 26, 2026
Treatment with Vancomycin Loaded Calcium Sulphate and Autogenous Bone in an Improved Rabbit Model of Bone Infection
Published on: March 14, 2019
Vancomycin-loaded nano-hydroxyapatite pellets to treat MRSA-induced chronic osteomyelitis with bone defect in rabbits
Ji-Le Jiang1, Yun-Fei Li, Tao-Lin Fang
1Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. jile.jiang@gmail.com
Objective:
To investigate nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) pellets as carriers for vancomycin in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and bone defects due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains.
Methods:
Chronic osteomyelitis was induced in 45 New Zealand white rabbits. After 3 weeks (chronic infection), all animals were treated with debridement. The rabbits were divided into an experimental group (the bone was filled with vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets), a control group (the bone was filled with nHA pellets alone), and a blank group. The drug release profiles were determined in vitro and in vivo. X-rays, bone specimens, and microorganism cultures were used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments.
Results:
Following a rapid initial release into the circulation, the drug concentration remained effective in the osseous and soft tissues for 12 weeks after debridement. Within 3 months, all rabbits in the experimental group recovered from osteomyelitis without a recurrence of the infection and the bone defects were partially repaired, whereas the infection and bone defects persisted in the control and blank groups.
Conclusions:
The results demonstrate that vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets successfully repair bone defects and control infection in MRSA-induced chronic osteomyelitis. In addition, nHA is an effective and safe controlled-release vancomycin carrier for chronic osteomyelitis with bone defects that is induced by MRSA.
Insights
Vancomycin-loaded nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) pellets effectively treated chronic osteomyelitis and bone defects caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in rabbits, showing sustained drug release and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic osteomyelitis and bone defects pose significant treatment challenges, particularly when caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Effective drug delivery systems are crucial for localized treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) pellets as a carrier for vancomycin delivery in treating MRSA-induced chronic osteomyelitis and associated bone defects.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets in a rabbit model.
Main Methods:
- Chronic osteomyelitis was induced in rabbits and treated with debridement.
- Animals were divided into groups receiving vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets, nHA pellets alone, or no treatment.
- In vitro and in vivo drug release, X-rays, bone histology, and cultures were used for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets demonstrated sustained drug release for up to 12 weeks.
- All rabbits treated with vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets recovered from osteomyelitis with partial bone defect repair within 3 months.
- Control groups showed persistent infection and bone defects.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin-loaded nHA pellets are effective and safe for treating MRSA-induced chronic osteomyelitis with bone defects.
- nHA serves as a viable controlled-release carrier for vancomycin, promoting bone healing and infection eradication.
